NYSWYSA

Memories of Dan Watson


We were greatly saddened to hear of your loss. Dan was one of my favorite soccer dads of all time. We are thinking about you and our prayers are with you. Ray and Sue Kaschalk


Sorry to hear of your loss. I always enjoyed my time spent with Dan. (I’m Shirley Kendter’s son.) Philip Chartrand (Mountain Home, AR)


Vicky & family.... Our hearts go out to you at this time. Know that we are praying God’s comfort for you.....May you sense His presence.. all our love Dick & Donna Osborne (Hadley, NY)


Dan Watson made a huge difference to a lot of young men and women by introducing them to the game he loved so much (soccer), teaching them how to play and most of all, always setting an example as a gentleman, father, Christian and all around good man. He made a difference. Mark Stephany (Watkins Glen, NY)


On behalf of the entire staff of the Spencerport Soccer Club, I’d like to offer our condolences to all of Dan’s family, friends and colleagues. His presence shall surely be missed. Bob Rosso (Spencerport, NY)


Words cannot express how I feel with your passing. Tears keep coming down today and this is after I thought I did not have any more to shed. Not always are people lucky enough to meet honest, genuine and wise individuals like you; I feel so fortunate to have spent some time with you. As you always told me - "you are a good person" and I would respond "no, YOU ARE the person I learn so much from and I wish I was more like you". I meant every word – there are not enough people like you in this world. I wanted to thank you for everything you have taught me and for being who you were. May you rest in peace, my friend Dan. Omer Doron (Hamden, CT)


Vikki and family, May the Lord comfort you during this time. Dan will live forever in our memory and those of the young men and women he touched. Through his position as the Operations Manager for New York West, he indirectly touched the lives of thousands of children throughout state, enabling them to participate in the sport that both he and they love. It was a privilege to have been able to work with him these past 14 years on the Board of Directors. His dedication and contribution to the state soccer community cannot be measured. He will be missed. Tim Mellander (Endicott, NY)


Dear Vikki and family, As Dan’s cousin, I have such fond memories of when we were young and our family came to New York to visit - what great times we had. Dan was always so kind, welcoming and always had some sporting event going on. He’s only a few years older but I thought he was the greatest athlete ever! My last memory of Dan is our conversations at our parent’s funerals. Your family has been such a witness and true testimony to the Lord through these last few difficult weeks. I know the Lord will give you peace, comfort and strength. With Love and Prayers, Denise Watson Connelly (Penna. Furnace, PA)


May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Vikki I’m so sorry to hear about your husband Dan. Always remember God is your strength and He will always be there for you. From your old co worker. D Rachel Decker (Burdett, NY)


Michelle, Phil, Becky and Mrs. Watson--I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope the prayers and memories shared here give some comfort. I remember lots of things about Mr. Watson, but the most poignant was how helpful he was in tracking down a copy of "It is Well With My Soul" for my own Dad’s funeral. I will sing it tonight for them both. Catherine Rondinaro (Oakland, CA)


DAN( SOCCER DAD) WAS A TRUE AND SINCERE FATHER AND FRIEND TO ALL THAT WAS IN CONTACT WITH HIM. I, AS HIS SOCCER MOM, WILL MISS HIM SO MUCH. GOD BLESS VIKKI AND FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW... TERESA LOUDON (WATKINS GLEN, NY)


Our sympathies and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We got to know Dan through soccer and one can only imagine the number of lives he has had a positive impact on. Diane and Gregg Lantz Diane Lantz (Elmira, NY)


I am so saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. He was the most wonderful man. I had never met Dan, spoke to him on the phone at least 100 times with my involvement with the Groton Youth Soccer program, he was always there to answer my questions and help us along the way. There will be a big void at the NYSWYSA office and he will be greatly missed. He touched so many young lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Paula Slocum Groton Youth Soccer Paula (Groton, NY)


Prayers and thoughts are with you continually. The faith and strength in your family is simply amazing. Vikki-know that all of us here at Seneca View love you very, very much. Emily Grimmke (Montour Falls, NY)

Good bye my friend. The soccer world has lost a true friend. I will miss you.

Glen Buckley (Penfield, NY)


Vikki, Sorry to hear of your lost. Dan was a great person and will be greatly missed. Dan was always a very helpful person in the world of soccer. God bless you and your family. Larry & Sonja Evarts (Rochester,, NY)


So sorry for your great loss... he will be greatly missed.. How wonderful to leave this world so greatly loved.. take care. Pat Hastings (Watkins Glen, NY)


To all the Watson family, we were so sad to hear about Dan. We will always remember all the soccer games that Dan coached. He was a great person and will always be remembered as the great person he was. May god bless you all. Charles, Jill, Nick and Chris Drake (Rochester, NY)


Michelle and family: Very saddened to hear of the loss of your dad . My prayers are with you and your family during this time. Karenann Bailey (Churchville, NY)


Phillip - I know that your great strength, family and friends will help you at this time of loss. Remember that "Those who live in the hearts of others never die." Your father was a very special man who touched the lives of everyone whom had the pleasure of meeting him. I know you will miss your Dad greatly, but remember to draw upon your own strength, the strength of your Mom and sisters as well as those that hold you in their thoughts. You will always hold a special place in our hearts and family. God Bless you honey, we love you. Kenna Morehouse (Easley, SC)


Although I never met Dan in person, we spent countless hours on the phone and via email over the past 2 years. He was that special, thoughtful, unselfish type of person we all hope to be. His dedication to the game and his many soccer stories will not be forgotten. From all of us at Rochester Futbol Club, may God Bless you and your family. Rick DiPasquale (Rochester, NY)


Vicki and Family, Words cannot begin to express to you the lost of my dear friend. He taught me so much. A dependable, thoughtful, honest and dedicated individual. His personal dedication and caring of our soccer children will be greatly missed here on earth but not in heaven. He will join those dedicated individuals gone before him. He will truly organize them and bring a calm order. RSC EXPRESS Soccer Club will miss him dearly. God Bless. Elizabeth De Vasquez (Buffalo, NY)


I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May god be with you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Kari Smith (Watkins Glen)


Where to begin. When I took over as the President of the Williamson Wildcats soccer club (where Dan grow up) he was always there for me. I could call him about anything, and his honest values always helped me to do and make the right decisions. I also had the pleasure of getting to reminisce with Dan every time I called. My father and grandfather lived in an apartment over Dan’s parents’ house. Dan would always share with me stories about my dad as a young man and we would laugh about them. It was really special for me to hear about my dad as he was growing up and I will miss those special calls with Dan. I am blessed to have gotten to know Dan and will truly miss the phone calls. New York State West has lost an amazing man and no one could ever fill his shoes totally. My prayers will be with you all as you go through this difficult time. Finally Dan I know you can hear me and I will never forget all you have taught me and I hope I will be able to help someone as much as you have helped me. God bless. Sarah Klejment (Williamson, NY)


On behalf of everyone from Marcus Whitman SC our prayers are with the family and relatives. I first met Dan about 20 years ago at the Bath tournament. We continued to be in touch all these years. As many, my heart is very heavy. Thank-you Dan for being the kind and loving person you were. Morris Gage (Marcus Whitman, NY)


Vicki, I am so Sorry to hear of your loss! You are in my thoughts and prayers Sarah Kingsley (Montour falls, NY)


This is a terrible loss of fine man. The number of people he touched over the years is immeasurable. Our condolences to his family and friends on behalf of Amherst Soccer. Marty Ott (Amherst, NY)


We at Lansing Soccer Club are so sorry for your loss. Dan was always so pleasant and helpful when we called, and always willing to do what he could for us. We will remember him fondly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Karen LaCelle (Lansing, NY)


On behalf of the Aurora Arsenal Soccer Club, we would like to send our condolences to Dan’s family in their time of sorrow. Dan always went the extra mile in his support our club and all of youth soccer, and he did so with grace and humor. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Raymond Wrazen (East Aurora, NY)


Vikki and family, I just want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Susan Proper (Horseheads, NY)


Dan was a fine man. The soccer community has lost a wonderful friend. He will be greatly missed. Sherry Frost, Executive Director on behalf of the Clarence Soccer Club Sherry Frost (Buffalo, NY)


On behalf of Empire United Soccer Academy, we send our condolences to Dan’s family. He was a dear friend to our club, and his support of our club and all of youth soccer was second to none. He will always be remembered as a kind, caring and patient man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Gail Begley (N. Chili, NY)


On behalf of everyone at Canandaigua Area Soccer Club, I’d like to offer our condolences to all of Dan’s family, friends and colleagues. His presence shall surely be missed. Malcolm Halliday (Canandaigua, NY)


Dan - Thank you for everything. You were a great person to work with and know all these years. God Bless you! You will be missed. Tom Bonus (Syracuse, NY)


We are so saddened by the loss of Dan, a true gentleman. We ALL were blessed to know Dan and the world is a better place because of this wonderful man that I called my friend. Vikki and family, thank you for sharing Dan with us and the soccer world. May God bring you comfort in knowing how much he was loved by us all. I will miss him... David Stephan (Clarence, NY)


Dear Vikki and family, Dan was always so warm and pleasant. No matter what was happening, he always had an upbeat comment or common sense words of wisdom. I first talked with him 11 years ago when setting up tournaments as President of Vestal Youth Soccer and then worked with him as Secretary for NYSW. Even after I left NYSW, we would meet for lunch once a year during spring break and share stories about our families. I’m so sorry for your loss... May your wonderful memories of Dan sustain you through this difficult time. My prayers are with you. Sue Messina (Vestal, NY)


It was a privilege to have known Dan, and an honor to have been touched by him. All of us are made up of pieces of each other; we learn by the example of others, adopting the good and rejecting the bad. Dan positively touched everyone with whom he came in contact, and we all thank him for the little bit of us that we learned from him. May God comfort his family in knowing how much of Dan is still within us all. Ken Voght (Tonawanda, NY)


I was saddened to open up NYS West home page, to find this news of Dan’s passing. Being the tournament director for the past 2 years, Dan helped me with suggestions, guidance, and explanation of the process. Dan would always enthusiastically engage in soccer talk. On behalf of the entire Fairport Soccer Club, our thoughts and prayers are with Dan’s family, friends and colleges. Eric Rand (Fairport, NY)


The true heroes in life don’t seek out public notoriety, they simply focus on doing the right things in all aspects of their life just because they are the right things to do. Dan certainly fulfills that definition of "hero." Simply, Dan was a very nice man whose generosity will be missed. Curtis Regruit (Penfield, NY)


I would like to take this time to say how sorry we are for your loss. I have come to know Dan over the last 3 years of my involvement with NYSW as a man of many resources. A man that was always willing to help out the soccer community and had a passion for the sport. He will be sorely missed by even those that have never met him for all the things he was able to do for the sport. May his family be comforted with their faith and in knowing how Dan has positively touched so many lives. Brian Lang (Amherst, NY)


Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. BC United Soccer Assoc. (Endicott, NY)


I am deeply saddened to learn about Dan’s passing. In the 6+ years that I knew him, he was consistently a resource, a trusted confidant and advisor. But more than that, Dan was a kind, gentle man that I was honored to know and call my friend. It is not often that we are blessed enough to meet honest and genuine people like Dan; I feel very fortunate that I was given that blessing. He will be sincerely missed. Terri Pitts (Grand Island, NY)


Dan Watson Family: May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I’m so sorry to hear about Dan. Always remember God is your strength and He will always be there for you. (Isaiah 40:31 - "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.") The family attended our services at Glen when I was a teen. It was such an encouragement to have Dan’s children in the teen group and @ school (WGHS). I will always remember Dan’s commitment to family & service to the church family and community. Mathew Murphy Family (Burdett, NY)


Dear Vikki and family, Please accept my deepest sympathy and know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many. Dan was my cousin and though he was over a decade older than I, I instantly have the same memory of him as I always have when hearing his name; his great smile. This made an impression on me as a youngster. His smile, (much like Uncle Pete’s), told me that he was very warm and friendly and most importantly back then, that he liked kids. As I grew older and saw him at various family gatherings, reunions, etc. that smile was always there welcoming everyone. He had time to say "hi" and "catch up" with everyone. That smile and the spirit behind it will stay with me forever. To Vikki, his children and grandchildren, I have no idea what you are going through, but please know that we are lifting you up to our Father daily. For Woody, Terry, Sandy, Nancy and Mark ( and their families), you, too, are in our thoughts and prayers. May He hold you and comfort you each day in your grief. To all the Aunts, Uncles, and cousins, may the Lord comfort you as we all pray for Dan’s family. God bless all of you. Beth Mackereth-Schenk and family (Woodland, PA)


My cousin Dan was like a brother to me growing up. I always admired his strength, his courage, his persistence, and of course his beautiful blond hair. Even at age 51, he would still call me his little ’cuz’ when he saw me. I will miss him. Kim Bierly Kniley (Harrisburg,, PA)


I was stunned to hear of Dan’s passing. I had only met him once, but was aware through that meeting of his passion for soccer and the life he led. My condolences to his family and friends. Laura Kahabka (Corning, NY)


My brother Dan was a STAR. He liked to play games - especially basketball, baseball, and soccer. He spent a lot of time perfecting his game. He was talented in many ways. Most of all- he was my ROCK. I went to him whenever I had a big problem. He cared. After his stroke, whenever I visited him in the rehab, he always had a positive attitude and his goal was to go home. He worked very hard to achieve that goal and succeeded. He was my champion. I will miss him everyday but I will look for his star each night. Thank you all for sharing Dan with me ! Sandy Hammond (McLean, NY)


Vikki and Family, Words cannot begin to express my sympathy to you on the loss of Danny. While geography and a bit of an age difference didn’t lend itself for us to be active in each others lives, I always knew my cousin would be there if I needed his guidance. I fondly remember some family gatherings at Grammy and Pappy Watson’s house as well as Bierly reunions when as a family they would travel south to join us in Centre County. I know I missed getting to know a great man. May God keep you close as you continue to grieve and miss him, and at the same time rejoice that he was part of your lives. Janet Harpster McMaster (Hanover, PA)


The soccer community has lost a true friend and supporter that can never be replaced and will never be forgotten. As we go through life, we do not have many what I call "true friends." Although I only had the pleasure of seeing Dan a few times a year, I considered him to be one of mine. I always looked forward to talking and being with Dan because of his positive outlook on life and cheerful demeanor. I will dearly miss him, as will the many people whose lives he touched throughout his all too short life. Roger Best (Rochester, NY)


My deepest condolences to Dan’s family for their tremendous loss. It’s a sad day for all that had the opportunity to work with him and be touched by this gentle man’s tireless efforts to make things happen for the kids, the coaches and the volunteers. We will all miss him dearly. Angelo Grande (Grand Island, NY)

Dan was a great man. I feel honored to have known such a quality person. The soccer community lost a fine individual and a good friend.

You will be missed, but not forgotten. God bless you my friend.

Greg Frenize (Baldwinsville, NY)

To Dan’s family, friends and coworkers - please accept my personal condolences and those of the Syracuse Fusion soccer club.

I met Dan in person just once, at the State Cup Final Four in 2007. Dan was a beacon of calm and provided a gentle and reassuring presence during our on-site registration at the tournament.

I also spoke with Dan several times over the phone and I was always impressed with how much he cared and how he always took the time to go the extra mile and get the right answer for us, each and every time.

Dan was a consummate professional, but more than that, with his kind and gentle way, I felt like we had a friend at Soccer West in Dan.

He will truly be missed by all of us.

Bernie Quinn (Syracuse, NY)

Vikki and Family,

We are all truly saddened by the news of Dan's passing. In life the truly 'good' people you meet in your lifetime are the ones that stand out and you always remember, Dan is one of those individuals that always stood out as being a 'good' person always willing to help. He will be missed but always remembered.

Dan Shoniker (Rochester, NY)


Well, Dad, I always said you should be a teacher, and it turns out you were all along! I should have known. And how many more you have been able to influence! What an impact your life has made, and just the kind of impact you wanted it to. You showed adults and kids alike, kindness, generosity and good character, and inspired them to do and be the same. You were always saying how a little kindness goes a long way, and that it is always worth the effort. So many kind testimonials have certainly proved you right. I was looking forward to the things you still had to teach me and my children. But I am grateful that you loved us, which we knew it because you showed us, that you were human, and that you did teach us so much. Thank you mostly for teaching us that though people and circumstances can be fallible, God never is- even when it wasn’t easy. Someone wrote that we always carry a piece of someone we love, and I will have pieces of your humor and wisdom, thoughtfulness and stories through Phil, Mom and Becky, and I will see glimpses of you in the mirror and in my children. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the blessing of my father, and for the hope I have through you, of seeing him in glory. Amen. Michelle Watson Trost (Brockport, NY)

Dan would have been so honored to hear all your kind words and how much his quiet kindness meant to everyone. He was more than my husband, he was my best friend for over 34 years. Thank you friends, co-workers and soccer family for sharing your kind words. They mean so much to us. God bless each of you.

Vikki Watson (Watkins Glen, NY)